Council member raises wetlands, tree and traffic concerns ahead of Feb. 9 Solo Cup vote

Council Member Brent Ross told the Highland Park City Council on Jan. 26 that he will be absent for a planned final vote on the Solo Cup site on Feb. 9 and asked staff to raise several specific concerns at that hearing.

Ross, who identified himself as the council liaison to the Plan Development Commission (PDC) during most meetings about the project, asked that Habitat (the proposer) commit to maintaining the landscaped strip along the north side of the site, noting that winter salting and seasonal care could damage plantings. "Can the council and manager get them to commit to maintaining the landscape on an ongoing basis?" Ross asked.

He also asked whether the city foresters are "fully comfortable" with how close townhome foundations and excavation will be to heritage trees and urged staff to confirm any risks. Ross said residents who spoke to the PDC raised concerns about traffic impacts after the project is built; he noted the city manager had said the city would address traffic issues if they arise and that Habitat had previously committed to working with the city on traffic mitigation.

Ross clarified that a previously mentioned access feature off Ridge is only an easement to the site and not a planned access road. He also recounted that a public commenter worried that wetlands protections lacked answers; Ross said the PDC chair replied that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) will address wetlands concerns and that the city will keep a close eye on the project.

Ross concluded by reiterating his overall support for the project while noting his regrets that he cannot attend the Feb. 9 council meeting in person. The Feb. 9 meeting was identified as the scheduled date for a final council vote on the matter.